LBI Must Sees And Dos 2019:

If you follow me on Instagram (which is the best way to see the day-to-day), you know that Beach Haven, LBI (Long Beach Island), is my happy place. The back story is that I’ve been coming here since I was born, and as I got older opted to go to summer camp out here, then become a camp counselor, and finally worked at a toy store in Schooner’s Warf (the outdoor shopping area in Beach Haven, right near our home). It’s my second home, the island where I feel most comfortable on (besides Manhattan of course!) and a place that holds my heart…and now my children’s. This is the second summer where my kids got to spend two weeks down here (a week after school ended and before camp began, and a week at the end of the summer). We were all sad to leave yesterday (you better believe there were tears from all, my mom and myself included), and we were all sad when we woke up not in our beach house beds this morning. SO, as an LBI connoisseur, and one who loves to help people navigate my happy place, I figured I’d share all of our must sees and dos down here. Enjoy and PLEASE let me know if you have any questions! XO

The Show Place Ice Cream Parlor: I’ve been coming here my entire life, and now it’s my kids’ turn to get called on! This is an interactive ice cream parlor where there’s a show every hour, on the hour. It opens at 6:00 PM, so get there early (the line can wrap around the street!). One person from every table gets called on to sing something or say something, and then at the end the wait staff puts on a performance.

Crust & Crumb Bakery: Just open the door to this little bakery (that also has been here forever!) and you’ll smell something like no other. The smell of fresh pastries fills the space and will most definitely have you salivating! Besides all of the homemade goodies, they sell Grandpa’s Yogurt Muffins (mine and my kids’ faves, made with yogurt so they’re a little healthier). They’re notorious for the Elephant Ears which are way larger than your head. You can watch them being made around the corner every morning. And right next door to the bakery is Cool Beans, where I get my iced coffee daily. It’s delish and not that too strong.

Fantasy Island: No trip to beach is complete without a visit here. The amusement park is right on the main strip (we walk everywhere from our house) and not too overwhelming. There’s a decent amount of rides for every age, and games. There’s an arcade inside too where you can cool off and play some of the less expensive games.

Holiday Snack Bar: This hole in the wall has a limited dining menu (but what they have is delish!), and famously known for their pies and cakes. Our fam fave is the chocolate cake with marshmallow icing. My dad doesn’t eat chocolate so every year they make him a whole cake with vanilla cake, marshmallow icing. I fantasize about this place!

Country Kettle Fudge: Located in the back of Bay Village (another outdoor shopping center right next to Schooner’s Wharf) is this delish slice of heaven. You can sample any flavor fudge you fancy, and they can combine a couple flavors per box. Colette’s faves are the mint chocolate chip and dark chocolate. Steele’s partial to the salt water taffy.

Parker’s Garage: Every summer we make a trip here, my mom and me. It’s right on the bay and is the perfect spot to watch the sun set. MUST orders are the Tuna Crackers (large flatbread crackers with seared tuna and avocado) and the Watermelon Salad (grilled watermelon, halloumi cheese and torn basil). It’s BYOB too.

Bird and Betty’s: I haven’t been here yet but my mom goes all the time (she spends most of the summer out here and my dad comes on the weekends). She said the drinks are delish and so is the clam pizza!

Polly’s Dock: This is housed right on the bay next to Parker’s Garage. You can sit outside and have the most delish seafood.

Stefano’s: My mom and I ate here and split the seafood pasta and the mussels marinara. Both were beyond yummy. It’s another BYOB so make sure you’re prepared with some rosé! There’s outdoor seating here too (not on the water so not the best view), but we like to sit inside. It’s beachy chic.

Black Whale: This is a personal fave. We went with the kids this week and it was the perfect spot. Reservations fill up early, but you can always walk in and wait (there’s a full bar and an outside waiting deck up front). There’s a kids menu and an expansive seafood (and more) menu. I had the crabmeat cocktail and baked potato and it was an ideal light yet protein-packed dinner. It’s located right near Holiday Snack Bar so you can walk there afterwards for dessert, or to Barry’s for ice cream.

If you’re looking for additional action, next to Fantasy Island there’s mini golf and waterslides. My kids are content during the day to just beach it up, so we haven’t been to the slides in years, but they’re good for all ages (there’s even an area that babies can play in).

My mom makes our time down here the absolute BEST!!!

Crust and Crumb’s notorious elephant ear!

View from Fantasy Island, top of the Ferris Wheel–and check out the water slides and the adorable rows of pastel beach houses.

Playing games at Fantasy Island.

Every night ends like this. Lucky me.

At The Show Place, right before Colette had to say a line from The Wizard Of Oz (which was the name of the sundae she ordered).

Every morning we have our routine, which includes the kids scooting to Crust and Crumb for pastries, and iced coffee at Cool Beans for my mom and me.

Holiday Snack Bar’s chocolate and marshmallow cake. YUM.

Country Kettle Fudge in Bay Village has the most delish hand whipped fudge (you can taste), and of course Steele’s fave, the homemade salt water taffy.

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